Re: [IceHorses] Newbie Questions
>>> I have a few questions since I've gotten conflicting information from >>> different breeders: Lori, I should have asked: what do you plan to do with your Icelandic, and what gaits do you think you want? In other words, do you want an Icelandic with a strong trot, or do you never want to ride a trot? There are all variations in this breed, so it depends on what you need and you want. I'm a big believer that we should always pick the horse that's suitable for what we want to do, not buy a horse and try to make him do what we want. There are people who are happy with their trot-only Icelandic's, and some with very pacey Icelandic's, and of course, there are those happy with gaits in the middle. Are gaits the main trait you value? Are you looking for a show horse, a pleasure horse, or for a partner/companion...or some of all of the above? Do you have one sport you want to pursue, or are you, like many of us, a "dabbler"? Welcome to the list! (Sorry I forgot to say that earlier...) Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Newbie Questions
what do I need to look for (the potential of a good tolt) >> Tolting out in the field. <;o] You won't find many Icelandic's "tolting" in the field...you may see some "gaiting", but very few naturally "tolt" at liberty. That's not a problem to me, because I like the other gaits too- as long as the gaits are easy on the horse and are suitable for the job, then whatever works for the pair is fine by me. And since many Icelandic's are multi-gaited, you may see one trot for a while, switch to step-pace, then foxtrot a bit. I think that's misleading to say to someone who's looking for a young horse. Foals and young horses go through growth spurts and their joints and angles change during that time. Unfortunately, it's hard for a newbie to spot a naturally gaited young horse at liberty - at least and have an idea what gait(s) he/she will do under saddle. Many young horses will go through pacey or trotty periods as they grow. And many newborns of 3-gaited breeds will show some lateral gaits their first few days/weeks of life, simply because of their teeny short backs. Even what they offer first under saddle isn't always going to be what they'll offer as they gain maturity, balance and fitness, so it's not that easy. It's good to look at the parents, but if the parents have been "tolt trained" to gait (happens in all breeds, unfortunately), what you see may not be what you'll actually get in the baby. If the parents gait naturally, barefoot, no special tack required, no odd shoeing/trimming, then your odds are better...but there's always an element of "crap shoot" to any breeding. So there's not a 100% guarantee that the foals will be just like their parents - just look around at your own human families if you don't believe me! Nothing I said here is unique to Icelandic's - this pretty much applies to all gaited breeds... Karen Thomas, NC
RE: [IceHorses] Newbie Questions
Hi Lori, Where do you live? Cherie No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.5.3 - Release Date: 7/20/2008 12:00 AM IceHorses Community for Photos and Videos: http://kickapps.com/icehorses "The greatest enemy of the truth very often is not the lie- deliberate, contrived and dishonest -- but the myth -- persistent, persuasive and unrealistic." "All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident." ~ Arthur Schopenhauer [] Lee Ziegler http://leeziegler.com [] Liz Graves http://lizgraves.com [] Lee's Book Easy Gaited Horses http://tinyurl.com/7vyjo [] IceHorses Map http://www.frappr.com/IceHorses Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IceHorses/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [IceHorses] Newbie Questions
>>> 1. Are all Icelandics gaited and if not can they be trained to be by >>> slowly developing muscles? I think most Icelandic's are gaited, but some only walk/trot/canter. A few are pacey - so that depends on whether you call pace a gait. >>> 2. Do they need to be shod to tolt? I've always had my horses barefoot. Horses don't need shoes to gait, no matter what the breed. If they don't gait without shoes or boots, or if they need any kind of special tack or special training, the "naturalness" of the gait is questionable. Horses MAY need shoes for several reasons: 1) protection, 2) therapeutic reasons, or simply because they have weak hoofs - and those reasons are the same no matter what the breed or gaitedness of the horse. None of my horses wear shoes, because they don't need them. BTW, how do you define "tolt"? Tolt is simply the Icelandic word for "rack", so if that's the only gait you're interested in, then many/most Icelandic's don't do it naturally - not of the flashy, show ring style, that is. Most Icelandic's do other soft-gaits and for most of us, those other gaits are wonderful. Those gaits include foxtrot, running walk, saddle-rack (the less flashy version of a rack) and stepping pace. Many Icelandic's also trot - which many of us consider a plus, but not all of us do. For what it's worth, gaits are gaits, whatever the breed. I think Icelandic's are wonderfully special, but if gait is your only criteria, there are other gaited breeds. The normal terms within Icelandic circles are "four-gaited" and "five-gaited", but those are VERY misleading. I have never met an Icelandic who naturally does the breed-signature "five-gaits" - if they can naturally do both trot and pace, then they probably can do several (or all) of the intermediate soft gaits. >>> 3. Since I am looking at younger horses and they will not be trained to >>> saddle, what do I need to look for (the potential of a good tolt) and >>> what questions should I be asking? The best book on gaits is by Lee Ziegler: Easy-Gaited Horses. How young are you looking for? Karen Thomas, NC
[IceHorses] Rocking R?
Does anyone know how to get in touch with Rich Porter from Rocking R Icelandics? I see that their website seems to be offline. Thanks Ellen Wilson
Re: [IceHorses] Bit Fitting
2008/7/20 Judi Qualls <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > Finally here a couple of pictures of my tack building. It is nothing fancy > but has been such a wonderful thing. I did not realize I had so much stuff > as it was scattered everywhere. That looks excellent! We have a tiny little 'shed' that we used to use for storing tarps. But now that we have a tack shed with a basement (crawl space), all the tarps go down there. So...I've asked Kevin to drag the little shed into the riding arena so I can store my cones, etc. out there. Right now I have everything stuffed under an old overturned water tank. If I ever let the horses into the arena to eat...the first thing they do is overturn the tank and scatter everything everywhere. It was cute the first 5 times...but now it's tiresome. Wanda -- Thoughts become things...
Re: [IceHorses] Newbie Questions
Hi Lori...welcome to the list! Where are you located? I'm in western WI. >>Are all Icelandics gaited Some are 3 gaited (walk, trot, canter), some 4 and some 5 gaited. >> Do they need to be shod to tolt? Tolt is NOT in a shoe or weighted boot. My Ice Pony Huginn is barefoot. His gait of choice is trotbut he does have a nice tolt. In factbetter barefoot than when I boot him with Easy Care Epics. >> what do I need to look for (the potential of a good tolt) Tolting out in the field. <;o] Raven Lucy & Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn & Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze I ride an Ice Pony because heart is not measured in hands. http://www.myspace.com/iceponygoddess Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
[IceHorses] Newbie Questions
Hi all. I'm new to the group and hopefully someday soon will be the owner on an Icelandic. I'm an experienced horse owner (over 30 yrs) although I am always learning. I'd like to get a younger horse that I can train since I've done quite well with my other horses although I am new to the world off gaited horses. I have a few questions since I've gotten conflicting information from different breeders: 1. Are all Icelandics gaited and if not can they be trained to be by slowly developing muscles? 2. Do they need to be shod to tolt? I've always had my horses barefoot. 3. Since I am looking at younger horses and they will not be trained to saddle, what do I need to look for (the potential of a good tolt) and what questions should I be asking? Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you! Lori
[IceHorses] Vinnie meets Isak and Landi - pics
http://picasaweb.google.com/windgait/VinnieLandiAndIsakMeetAndPlay?authkey=zFfgaYQZbHs Vinnie has some interesting moves in his repertoire, that's for sure. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Trausti was a big star! (in Zilco tack)
>>> I thought Teev was the tank of all time but for some reason had to let >>> out the breast collar a hole with trausti. I think if I ever order >>> another I will just measure this one because it seems a perfect size for >>> icelandics. That Trausti had gotten so big had sort of snuck-up on me. He almost had a refined look when I got him, when he was five (almost six? I think). He certainly did some serious filling out between the ages of 5 and 9. He was always tall, but he continued to bulk up. He's a good two inches taller than Tivar, and overall, I still think Tivar is one of the tankiest Icelandic's I've seen - just not the tallest. Karen Thomas, NC
[IceHorses] one more
One more of Solon. This time my husband is leading him up to the block. Kevin hasn't realized that if you point in a certain direction...Solon will just go there. Plus I'd like to see a bit more lead rope between Kevin and Solon. http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=UBOyfjOk4Po Wanda -- Thoughts become things...
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Trausti was a big star! (in Zilco tack)
>>> What size Zilco breast plate did you order for Trausti??? How is the >>> fit different from the Sensation Icey size..pros/cons?? I bought that one used on ebay maybe 2 1/2 years ago. I got a good deal on it, which is rare, because Zilco stuff usually goes for a good price even used. At that time, I think they only made the one size breastcollar - I use their "Arab" sized bridles for the most part. The one Sensation breastcollar I have is a size "small" and it works for the Melnir/Sina/Saga sized horses, but is too small for the medium-large-to-large Icelandic's like Tivar, Falki and Trausti. (Note that Sina needs a smallish breastcollar, even though she's about the widest of my Icelandic's in the saddle gullet measurement. "Small" is a relative term.) The Sensations do come in other sizes, but that's the only one I have. The Zilco breastcollar was too big for the small-medium Icelandic's. Zilco can't match the option of custom sizes found with the Sensation breastcollars. I understand that Zilco makes two sizes (at least?) of breastcollars now, so I'm not sure how the sizing runs these days. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Trausti was a big star! (in Zilco tack)
the western is more for preventing the saddle from sliding back not really for side to side slipage-think the stability on a western rig is in the saddle tree and the proper fit for the horse and rider...
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Saddle dilemma
>>> There £780 here. I am considering one. They just look so good. There is >>> a warning that they 'are not for novice riders who rely on a saddle to >>> stay on a horse'. A saddle never stopped me falling off in the past. When Gracie first developed her back problem (about 8 years ago) she bucked me off hard from a treed western saddle. I got slammed around on that hard pommel several times before I hit the ground, and my thighs have never been so bruised. I guess I was just lucky that I didn't land on the horn. I'm pretty sure it would have been better to have hit the ground sooner in that case. Personally, I have found that treeless saddles slip a lot LESS than treed saddles that don't fit. You may have more trouble if you brace off your stirrups, but we shouldn't be doing that anyway. (That was a hard habit for me to break.) >>> Then there is the decision re which model for an icey. Pretty much whatever is comfortable for you. I have two Hybrids, an English Trail and a Dressage model and they work pretty much equally well on virtually all of my Icelandic's. That's not to say that they might not fit a few Icelandic's in the world, but mine is more than a random sampling of 2-3 horses. Robyn Hood uses a lot of them for her Icelandic's, I think even for starting them, and many of us list members use them with great success. >>> Might be a good spare to have around. I have a Sensation for a spare...that I use when someone is using my other Sensations. ;) Seriously, I also have a couple of Torsions that I like pretty well, but of all the treeless and treed saddles I've tried (too many to count), the Sensations are our favorites...and more importantly, they work for our horses. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Stephanie rides a good horse
Super photo! Great job Stephanie!! Raven Lucy & Molly, the Girl Doggies Huginn & Dixie Chick, the Back Behind the Barn Ponies Maggie Rose, the cat who makes me sneeze I ride an Ice Pony because heart is not measured in hands. http://www.myspace.com/iceponygoddess Respect ALL Earthlings. We are all animals of this planet. We are all creatures.
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
>>> I also like the Smari Clover saddle which is a flex-panel saddle with >>> airbags etc. I don't like airbags or flex-panels for saddles or saddle pads. The flex-panels seem like a good idea, but they don't seem to work in practice nearly as well as they sound. We had one for a while, and the horse (Skjoni) developed an aversion to being ridden, that went away when Cary switched to the Sensation. We then lost a lot of money when we sold that saddle, more than I've ever lost on selling one. I don't like air in panels - if there's not quite enough air, the panels will bottom out and be worthless. If there's enough air to offer protection, then the panel is hard - ever seen someone who has had an automobile airbag explode in their face? They may save lives but they are hardly like landing on a pillow. My daughter had bruises and a black eye for three weeks after she was in a wreck once. (She's alive, so we aren't complaining - but I wouldn't want to use air as a cushion on a daily basis...) Air panels aren't breathable either - if they were, the air wouldn't stay where it's supposed to be, so they are prone to heat build-up. Has anyone seen that video clip that Liz and Dave made about the flex-tree saddle? I think Judy posted the link here once before.That was an eye-opener. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
>>> Ofeig is now backed and being ridden on the lead rein for 5 mins at a >>> time. The problem is she is so wide that Corrie's saddle (Wintec >>> adjustable) is still too narrow with the new extra wide gullet. I need to get an inexpensive saddle that can be adjusted as she grows and will allow her to move. I've been there and sooo done that! I went throught the Wintec gullets - the standard gullets are all too narrow for any of my Icelandics except some of the youngest ones. The Wintec Wide has a spinal channel for warmbloods or drafts - too wide and just not shaped right for any except the very largest ones. The Balance Saddles are nice, but pricey (very good quality though) and many of them were too long for Sina's short back - but I liked them. The Heather Moffet Fhoenix was just ok, but very pricey...but it's wy too thick for a person with a long torso, putting their center of gravity too high above the horse. (That killed it for Cary.) My experience is that a 4-5 year-old Icelandic will still widen by several cm, making most treed saddles that fit at five worthless by age 6 or 7. The best answer I've found for Icelandic's is the Sensation. They are stable for the rider, so comfy for horse and rider, and they have no rigid parts to dig in.I know there are dealers in the UK, so see if you can get a demo. I hope you don't have to go through the pain (and expense) that I did to find a saddle! My 6'2", 235-pound husband and I (5'0" 138 pounds) both ride in them, so they can accommodate a variety of rider sizes. We sometimes put a treed saddle on our young horses intially, but basically we start them in treeless saddles, usually the Sensations. Karen Thomas, NC
[IceHorses] fat circus pony trick
Here's Solon getting his first look at a bike horn in his life. This video is of him learning to honk it from start to finish. http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=ptscNvrAZWg Wanda -- Thoughts become things...
Re: [IceHorses] Janice for President!
Whew! Finally a candidate I can support. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Solon backing up one foot at a time
--- On Sun, 7/20/08, Wanda Lauscher <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Here's the video of Solon where he's backing up one > foot at a time. http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=S7wRPKKXU7Q Very nice! Gives me ideas for more! Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/
[IceHorses] Re: Saddle dilemma
> > >Has anyone tried the trapezius saddle? > > I've had several Trapzius saddles and like them a lot. There's a > couple for sale on the IHS website at the moment, www.ihsgb.co.uk , on > the items for sale page > What a good idea. I liked the one at Janices. they are expensive new. Sue Coombes
Re: [IceHorses] sascathewan lobsters
2008/7/20 Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > Here wanda is looking at buying a nice lobster to cook for supper. > Janice Karumba! That looks like a Florida mosquito Wanda from Saskatchewan -- Thoughts become things...
[IceHorses] Solon backing up one foot at a time
Here's the video of Solon where he's backing up one foot at a time. You can see I'm still working on his hind legs...one side seems to need more support for understanding the task. But you can see I'm using a verbal request and I'm lightly stroking the leg I'm focusing on. http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=S7wRPKKXU7Q Wanda -- Thoughts become things...
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
On Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:36:30 -, you wrote: >Has anyone tried the trapezius saddle? I've had several Trapzius saddles and like them a lot. There's a couple for sale on the IHS website at the moment, www.ihsgb.co.uk , on the items for sale page. I also like the Smari Clover saddle which is a flex-panel saddle with airbags etc. Mic Mic (Michelle) Rushen --- Solva Icelandic Horses and DeMeulenkamp Sweet Itch Rugs: www.solva-icelandics.co.uk ---
[IceHorses] Re: Saddle dilemma
> Why not a sensation?? SO much cheaper than a moffett. There was one > on ebay recently. > Janice > -- There £780 here. I am considering one. They just look so good. There is a warning that they 'are not for novice riders who rely on a saddle to stay on a horse'. A saddle never stopped me falling off in the past. I'm not sure what they mean by that. Then there is the decision re which model for an icey. I haven't even begun to think of colours! Do I need any special pad? I like the three stirrup positions. I could get one on loan. That would be a start. I'll check ebay.com. ? shipping to uk? Might be a good spare to have around. You can never have too many saddles I guess. See, you guys have corrupted me. Sue coombes p.s. I could always buy another horse to fit the saddle.
[IceHorses] Re: Stephanie rides a good horse
> That is awesome Sue! How did you teach it?? Did you clicker it? > Janice > -- It all started when I first got her. She was stabled and I would wait until she backed up to go in with food etc. Then I notice she backed up to 'invite' me in. I didn't think much about it. In fact I thought she didn't like me much. Soon I realised it was an invite an added the look into her eyes and then to her feet.By that time I had learned about clicker training so I could reinforce and put in reps. Next I added the wiggy finger cue. you have to have two behaviours to put on cue and the behaviours have to be solid. I have a 'come to me' cue which is like rolling up a line whilst backing with soft body language. It was really easy to do the parelli yo-yo game because she already did it at liberty. She lifts her feet on cue too. There is a video on youtube where she lifts her feet in the paddock for me. I shaped that by waiting for a slight movement of the foot and gradually delaying the click for height. Its then cued verbally (lift) and with a feel down the leg. It's like I say 'lift' and she says 'how high?'. Mind you we don't have that one under complete stimulus control. sometimes she lifts when I'm putting on her brushing boots or grooming her. I expect stephanie could do these. All she has to do is shape it by waiting for the behaviour to occur naturally C/R. It's alot of fun. Sue coombes
Re: [IceHorses] Video of Whisper tooting her own horn!
What a good girl. I bought one of those horns but didn't have the patience to teach them. Good for you.
Re: [IceHorses] sascathewan lobsters
That is the biggest lobster I have ever seen. Yum
[IceHorses] Video of Whisper tooting her own horn!
Here is Whisper tooting a bicycle horn. I don't normally work within the herd because she is claustrophobic with the others and gets grumpy as you can see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L9hUoPWkKA Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/
Re: [IceHorses] Janice for President!
2008/7/20 Judy Ryder <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > http://listen-to-your-horse.blogspot.com/2008/07/janice-mcdonald-icelandic-horse-owner.html Excellent! This makes sense to me. I've tried to work out how your elections work in the US and it seems a person can win in every state...but then they have to be elected by the super delegates and if the super delegates don't like them... then they can lose. Wanda -- Thoughts become things...
Re: [IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
Why not a sensation?? SO much cheaper than a moffett. There was one on ebay recently. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Janice for President!
haha ! that is so cute! I am gonna do it to everyone i work with :) Janice-- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
[IceHorses] Janice for President!
http://listen-to-your-horse.blogspot.com/2008/07/janice-mcdonald-icelandic-horse-owner.html Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Trausti was a big star!
>>> my husband said yesterday while he was going amongst everyone taking >>> pics, we are sort of the posse photographers and at the annual xmas >>> party do a slide show of all the years activities, he heard so many nice >>> comments about "oh look at Janice's new pony!" he said one lady said >>> "I wish my legs were shorter like janices so I could ride a pony." can >>> you imagine anyone WISHING they had shorter legs?!?!? I am amazed. I think that says tons that you (and Tivar...now Trausti) are making Icelandic's (and other ponies) look appealing. Isn't that the best publicity of all? :) Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Stephanie rides a good horse
That is awesome Sue! How did you teach it?? Did you clicker it? Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Re: Trausti was a big star! (in Zilco tack)
On 7/20/08, Kaaren Jordan <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > >>Zilco breast plat<< > > What size Zilco breast plate did you order for Trausti??? How is the fit > different from the Sensation Icey size..pros/cons?? > > Kaaren > it was one karen sent with Teev, adjusted properly for him to allow saddle stabilization at the liz clinic. Then she let me have the halter bridle when she sent Trausti. because it was adjusted and had his bit on it etc. Its very nice. I thought Teev was the tank of all time but for some reason had to let out the breast collar a hole with trausti. I think if I ever order another I will just measure this one because it seems a perfect size for icelandics. Teev has a horse size head but trausti's is smaller. I bought a weaver texas star concho london tan set for his posse uniform and it is horse sized but had no problem adjusting the bridle to fit. The breast collar I am gonna have to put in a hole on the part that goes to the girth and it is purely decorative, does not add to stability at all really, not like the "hunter" type. This type is called "australian stock" collar in jeffers catalog, endurance style by zilco, Tucker calls it "Montreal Trooper Breast collar" and some call it a "Hunter's Breast Plate" but whatever, it fits more snugly than a western and adds a lot to stability. In fact I have no slippage at all with it and the fixed stirrups on the sensation. Someday when i win the lotto I would like a sensation harmony bridle and breast collar in my signature safety orange :) but for now this works real well. makes you wonder if western type breast collars offer any actual stability at all. They are pretty tho, for parades and showing off :) But for real utility and for saddle stabilization on a real level i think this hunter type breast collar is the kind you need. I had a breast collar for stonewall once that is supposed to be best for gaited horses. I forget what its called, just a wide band across the chest that affixes to top of girth on each side. It pure rubbed all the hair and some hide off his chest all the way across! so so much for that! Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
[IceHorses] Saddle dilemma
Ofeig is now backed and being ridden on the lead rein for 5 mins at a time. The problem is she is so wide that Corrie's saddle (Wintec adjustable) is still too narrow with the new extra wide gullet. I need to get an inexpensive saddle that can be adjusted as she grows and will allow her to move. I can't beleive how much movement there is in her spine. It is so lovely. I would describe it as like a dance partner who is supple and rhythmic compared with Corrie who is more like a tailors dummy. She responds very well to seat aids which I don't want to lose by a badly fitting saddle. There is a wintec wide with 3 even wider gullets than the one I have. The larger two gullets would fit that too giving 5 sizes over all. I would love a balance saddle but not too soon at that price. It's a lot of money to ditch because she has changed shape. There is no point in getting Carol Brett to fit Corrie as she won't be ridden very much now. Only enough so she isn't left out. I have arranged for a master saddler to come out locally. He is highly recommended. All the same I hope I have done enough 'homework' to know that what I am buying is right.I might make a check list before the man comes. I don't have to buy right away. I can think about it. Then there is the heather moffat saddle. That appeals to me because the stirrup bars are in the right place and the shoulders are freed up. I didn't find I had the rising trot as good in the wintec as some saddles I have ridden in. My feet felt pushed forward so I couldn't maintain vertical balance. A treeless sounds ideal except most of them say not for novice riders on green horses. I need something that will stay in place. I know no-one can help me decide. I'll see if I can balance in this new saddle. (I should have tried it on the stand in the shop). While he is here I will get him to check Corries saddle wth the extra wide gullet I am sure it is a better fit for her. Her wither etc has filled out a lot with not being ridden in the saddle. She is actually up 3 gullet sizes. That medium gullet was doing damage big time. My head is whizzing with all the possibilities. Especially the one of spending a lot of money several times over. When her shape is stable I will get Carol Brett to see her. Has anyone tried the trapezius saddle? What saddle do you start youngsters in? Sue Coombes
[IceHorses] Re: Stephanie rides a good horse
> Wanda is writing me step by step instructions to teach a horse to back > by pointing at a foot. Ofeig does that really well. Sometimes I have to wiggle my finger a bit (like I did on the video where she stands on the mat) When she is in the stable I just give her a 'look' an she backs up. Corrie learned that today at last. I guess with only one eye it was bound to take twice as long. Also it is hard for them to notice 'the look' when their eyes are on the treat bag on not on my eyes. Rode Ofeig with saddle and bridle (no reins) today. Anthony led her in the halter over her bridle. She was a star. Wegot forward but I don't think it was from my leg cue. The whoa was really good, she stopped before Anthony. I used my seat to stop and turn. She appeared to understand. Anthony will need further training in whoa, left and right. BTW Stephanie looks to have a marvelous life and enjoying every moment of it. Sue Coombes
Re: [IceHorses] Stephanie rides a good horse
Will you expose Tosca to a group of people converging on her, maybe carrying a substitute rider, before putting Stephanie on? So there's where you're more astute than I was Judy. Yes - that turns out to be a huge component that I missed for Tosca. Especially for Tosca who tends to be wary of people she hasn't met. The one time Stephanie was on her, briefly before Tosca bucked, the pony was very unhappy about the three strangers who surrounded her. After the fact, we did put two of our helpers up and repeated the exercise successfully with them sliding all over her back, especially sliding way back down her spine which she really hated. I felt quite guilty that with all the prep we'd done, I hadn't thought how different it would be for Tosca to have extra people around. nancy
[IceHorses] Celtic Horse Head Drawing
http://www.furbuy.com/auctions/1005637.html Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Stephanie rides a good horse
> As you might guess from the photo below, it takes a village for Stephanie > to > ride. Will you expose Tosca to a group of people converging on her, maybe carrying a substitute rider, before putting Stephanie on? Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
Re: [IceHorses] Trausti was a big star!
>>> Trausti passed his posse certification today! If anyone wants to send Trausti's story to other lists or friends and relatives, you can use this link: http://iceryder.blogspot.com/2008/07/icelandic-horse-becomes-possee.html There is also a "Tell-A-Friend" button at the bottom of the story that you can use to send it to others. Judy http://iceryder.net http://clickryder.com
[IceHorses] sascathewan lobsters
Here wanda is looking at buying a nice lobster to cook for supper. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes. <>
[IceHorses] Re: Trausti was a big star! (in Zilco tack)
>>Zilco breast plat<< What size Zilco breast plate did you order for Trausti??? How is the fit different from the Sensation Icey size..pros/cons?? Kaaren
Re: [IceHorses] How Janice lives her life
>Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the > morning, Satan shudders & says... "Oh sh*tshe's awake!!!" > > Oh wow Laree - a great motto. i wish I had a bumper sticker with that. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Stephanie rides a good horse
Wanda is writing me step by step instructions to teach a horse to back by pointing at a foot. I think that would be an all time great FCPA trick! Maybe she will share it onlist. That is something Stephanie could do with tosca... Janice-- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] How Janice lives her life
Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says... "Oh sh*tshe's awake!!!" Oh wow Laree - a great motto. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Stephanie rides a good horse
"I used to ride a lot before my accident (automobile at age 18, now he is about 60) and it is something I sorta wish I could do again." The therapy program our kids rode in had several adults riding. I'm sure your friend could ride on a regulrar basis if you can hook him up with a therapeutic riding program. I could see that it might be difficult to get him up on Jas. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] Stephanie rides a good horse
I'll bet Stephanie would love to teach some circus pony tricks. Yes. I have also seen a wheelchair user doing PNH - very impressive. We did put Stephanie in the round pen with Tosca once, but Tosca said "Huh?" I need to get her back home soon. The summer is waning and Tosca is now pretty well started, although I still don't think she is "the" therapy horse for Steph. That doesn't mean they couldn't hang out together. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] How Janice lives her life
> A Powerful Woman: > >Live your life in such a way that >when your feet hit the floor >in the morning, Satan shudders & says... >"Oh sh*tshe's awake!!!" HAHAHAA no kiddin laree! Many people say that! and I am really a little mystified as to why! i think it has something to do with... my sister says "it always is fun to watch when we go places and someone tries to control janice, and watch them discover altho she is pretending to be controlled for fun you can never actually accomplish it " :) but they said when i was 18 months old our house looked like fort knox cause we lived across the street from the bayou and they found I would drag up a chair, unlock the front door, run and scale the fence like a monkey and scramble down into the bayou and always went up to my chin, out deeper each inch I grew. I would pick up scallops at age five and stick my fingers inside the open shell and when it clamped down just hold on until it sprang and eat them raw. My mother used to tell that story like she was so proud. haha. all our farm animals would run and hide when they saw me coming. I would hold them too tight and would cling and suffocate. they hated me. I am glad I was able to let go a little as an adult and be more sensitive to their feelings so now animals like me :) Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Stephanie rides a good horse
oh this is awesome, and the horse is not an old broke down deadhead either, it is heads up, alert, listening, paying attention to whats going on behind his head. Gosh i just wish all handicapped people could have an opportunity. I was at a bluegrass gathering recently and there is a man from tuscaloosa I have known for 30 years who is paralyzed from the waist down. He plays mandolin and sings, is a very gifted musician. Someone asked me about my horses and after I answered he said quietly "I used to ride a lot before my accident (automobile at age 18, now he is about 60) and it is something I sorta wish I could do again." and I told him he could sure ride my jas someday, we could get him up there and he could hang on, and he smiled real big. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Trausti was a big star!
whats weird, nasi picked donny too, and I am jealous of that. and curls the little demon when i try to halter him he touches his nose to the ground and walks fast so I cant get the nose piece around. Donny says it is cause i only halter him when something bad is gonna happen, worning, shots, a bath, the farrier. but i said oh yeah? well what do you halter him for? and he said "i don't". ahem. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Trausti was a big star!
my husband said yesterday while he was going amongst everyone taking pics, we are sort of the posse photographers and at the annual xmas party do a slide show of all the years activities, he heard so many nice comments about "oh look at Janice's new pony!" he said one lady said "I wish my legs were shorter like janices so I could ride a pony." can you imagine anyone WISHING they had shorter legs?!?!? I am amazed. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Young Tifa in love
oh her longing is so visual :) he is like, cary grant to young teef. Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Stephanie rides a good horse
--- On Sun, 7/20/08, Nancy Sturm <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > As you might guess from the photo below, it takes a village > for Stephanie to > ride. Something tells me that could have been accomplished with less than half the people! Have you seen the W/C bound people doing clicker training? I'll bet Stephanie would love to teach some circus pony tricks. Whisper can blow a bike horn! Susan in NV read my blog to see why I ride my horse in pink: http://desertduty.blogspot.com/
[IceHorses] How Janice lives her life
A Powerful Woman: Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says... "Oh sh*tshe's awake!!!" -- Laree in NC Doppa & Mura Simon, Sadie and Sam (the "S" gang) "Yet when all the books have been read and reread, it boils down to the horse, his human companion, and what goes on between them." - William Farley "I ride ponies because heart is not measured in hands." - Steve Edwards
Re: [IceHorses] Trausti was a big star!
2008/7/20 Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > for him and stayed on his hip. but funniest of all, every time my > husband walked out into the middle of the arena to take pics everyone > would laugh cause trausti would leave formation and walk over to get > some pats from his new cary :) Gosh he is just so loving with donny i > am trying so hard not to be jealous! but donny does not ride him, I > do, all donny is is treats and pats... disneyland daddy as they > say... Well Donny did clean his sheath, and obviously Trausti is thankful for the sensitive way in which it was carried out. Try not to be jealous but it's been my experience and I've heard this from others that Icelandics tend to pick their humans Wanda -- Thoughts become things...
Re: [IceHorses] Trausti was a big star!
and i am not formally trained, and I have been told I have rough hands so I make a point of using my hands as little as possible, but when startled, or when the horse startles I have a tendency to do what parelli says "the fetal position" where I curl, grabbing reins taut, and clutch up with the knees, which makes the horse think its been grabbed and freaks him. My horses get used to that but it takes a while. I was in a clinic once and the dead broke demo horse took off with me in the arena while the leader on the microphone finally figured it out and yelled for me to let off leg pressure, I was squeezing the horse to go while hauling on reins at the same time. getting a new horse used to all this takes forever. Trausti was very very side sensitive when I got him, seemed to almost jump out of his skin when I kicked him to go, he had a bad experience with that i suspect, somewhere, but yesterday I noticed he really didnt have a problem with that at all anymore, but seemed resentful if I pulled real hard on one rein to steer right or left. Would brace a little, then i notice he is neck reining like a dream and i never noticed that before. so I think he is compensating, we both are, me learning not to pull too hard when reining, him telling me, why dont we just neck rein, we both do better with that. Whats weird is I have seen him ridden and he was ridden english, but with me he seems to be trying to respond and show me how to ride him western. is that weird?? Maybe I remind him of someone who rode him western since I am un-lessoned, and he is responding that way. When I rode him one handed, neck reining, in the arena, he responded like push button and when i rode him "english" direct reining and would pull one rein to steer unexpectedly in another direction he would brace a little , i suspect against my heavy handedness. He is also like my jas, picked out horses he would rather be around more than others. It wasnt always a nice horse either. He seemed to like my friends green heathen horse and seemed to want to pass him and let him follow him like he was taking care of him, and anytime he saw my other friends buckskin he made a beeline for him and stayed on his hip. but funniest of all, every time my husband walked out into the middle of the arena to take pics everyone would laugh cause trausti would leave formation and walk over to get some pats from his new cary :) Gosh he is just so loving with donny i am trying so hard not to be jealous! but donny does not ride him, I do, all donny is is treats and pats... disneyland daddy as they say... but yes, it takes so long for a horse to feel at home. They will be ok, and you think they are great. but as time goes along you realize more and more... for one thing, he is now i believe completely assimilated into our herd and so now its time to get relationships going with people, dogs etc. So many changes, I know he is in some sort of mineral imbalance. every new horse that comes here goes thru it, craving minerals, chewing bark etc. He wolfs minerals I give him and then this morning I saw him licking wood. not chewing tho. But yesterday he barely sweated i thought but i gave stonewall electrolytes and not him. So today i am gonna give him electrolytes. I think he is a secret sweater! Not anhydrosis, just doesnt get lathered like others! nasi doesnt either really! Teev did. janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Vinnie's turnout OT
I guess my Jas is feeling better, and you never know when even a dead broke lazybones will kill you dead, I was giving him turnout and our dog earl was going for him and he kicked out and his rear hoof whizzed by my head so fast i actually heard it. It was just a hair from hitting me! geez Janice-- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] OT - Black Bart and the halters
I am sorry about your mom! Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] O/T Janice's Aunt
2008/7/20 Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > you should have seen her dance! > Janice-- She excelled at highland dancing. It's because of her that highland dancing was all the craze in Florida for a while. Wanda -- Thoughts become things...
Re: [IceHorses] O/T Janice's Aunt
you should have seen her dance! Janice-- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
[IceHorses] Re: wandas new horse
thats her husband kevin saddling the new horse. isnt it a pretty strawberry roan color! Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Different pictures
is that barts nose?? Jaspars whiskers are about a foot long. pick your battles karen! jaspar will do just about anything on the planet you ask but touch those chin hairs and you will draw back a nub haha Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Saga and friend
I thought that was teev! I see now she is not so tankish :) He looks like he is really a good little rider!! Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Chestnut mare day
Is that Shirleys son riding TEev?!?! Janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Relative Humidity
In Miami if it doesnt come a little tropical rain in the afternoon you might as well just go ahead and die. No one even bothers at all to get out of the rain. Wearing business suits and carrying brief cases and its raining like heck. No one does their hair or wears makeup and wear gauzy 100% cotton clothes. Here many times if it doesnt rain, like when we had our three year drought, it was just unbearable. but now we are back in our old pattern where afternoon showers break the heat. Seems hurricanes come when its hottest time of year and you go thru a period of man, this is so nice, when its on the way, a week of clouds and blustery constant wind after its been 100+ with 90% humidity, you are almost wanting a hurricane to come and then barely miss you :) like the one heading for the outer banks now Karen... are you getting some nice breezy cool weather from that?? Then after the hurricane hits and there is no electricity or AC for a week or two or like in new orleans a YEAR and its 100+ and 90% humidity you just want to flee for the hills. We have a generator but it is strong enough to run fridge and well only. Janice-- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] OT - Black Bart and the halters
On 7/19/08, Karen Thomas <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I'd hoped to get his halter switched this weekend, but it's supposed to be > 97 tomorrow. I won't be in a hurry to do anything as long as it's above 95. looks like you are doing the right thing... our Traveller is very weird about being caught. he walks from you and you have to follow forever, then if you ever get close enough to even touch one finger on him anywhere he's caught/ He is my only horse that does this and its cause he is my HUSBAND'S horse and I was not allowed to HANDLE him so now he is a weirdo. but anyway, I have started taking a halter and lead and longe whip every time I go in the pasture and just walk up and pet everyone etc. Tommie turvey says if a horse is leery of something like a whip take it with you any time you are around the horses, especially feeding them etc. dont know how that would translate to a halter... janice -- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] Trausti was a big star!
>>> Trausti passed his posse certification today! He flunked a couple of areas >>> but did so >>> well on others he passed anyway! Here are pics: Janice, I've been thinking - that's just amazing. You've had him just under two months, and I know you gave him some time to settle before you rode him, and before you took him out. Trausti is one of the most stoic Icelandic's I've ever met, but he's also a sweet, solid citizen. How long did you wait before you rode him at all? At least two weeks wasn't it? And about a month before you took him on a "real" trail ride? We just can't overemphasize the importance of letting a new horse have some time to settle. Trausti is nine, fully mature, but I bet it will take him a full year to fully get used to his new home. That doesn't mean he can't be used and ridden during that time - as Janice and he proved yesterday. "Settling" is one of those things that happens in degrees, as the horse gets used to his new environment and learns to trust his new owner. My old country vet used to have a sign in his office that said, "The hurrier I go, the behinder I get." Parelli says, "Take the time it takes so it takes less time." Janice proved that yesterday, that going slowly can be the fastest way to progress. Too few people have time to give the horses a fair shake. I also noticed that Janice didn't ride him at the event in his posse "uniform", but instead rode him in the bridle, bit and breastcollar that fit him well. Wise move, Janice. Suppose during the banner episode, the other bit had hurt his mouth, or if he'd got a foot caught in his breastcollar? A minor faux pas could have been a big mess. Oh, if only more people would pay attention to those little details, and not change too much, too fast. We'd have a lot more well-adjusted horses. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] Vinnie's turnout OT
He is king of the world! If you put him in with teev, i aint kiddin, teev will kick his butt, but i have seen him submit to one or two. Janice-- even good horses have bad days sometimes.
Re: [IceHorses] OT - Black Bart and the halters
>>> Will he tolerate you rubbing it on him? If not, can you brush him and then >>> brush the >>> halter, so his smell / hair gets on it? I can brush him all over, and he's fine with brushing. I've rubbed the leadline on him, and he's kind of ok with it, just not all the way there. The only real fear that I've seen in him so far is the electric fence, and that's ok. But, he hasn't forgotten that it was a rope that stung him. That's ok - there's no rush. He'll sort it all out soon. In the meantime, I will only use a colored - not white- leadline though... :) Melnir used to have a minor phobia about white rope reins - electric fence is about the only thing he's scared of too. I have limited time to work with him right now (my elderly mother fell and needs a lot of attention. That means that Cary or I, or my brother are with her a lot on nights and weekends, so when I'm home, I'm usually alone.) I'm not so worried about changing his halter that I'll rush to do it, and I don't want to do anything invasive when there's no one on the place to watch his ears and body language. So, in the meantime, we just play a little, taking it slowly. He SEEMS to be one of the most docile and even-tempered horses I've ever met, but he's new here and I don't forget that he's a feral mustang stallion. (Notice that I've stopped using the word "wild" - it's hardly appropriate.) I'm pleased that he stands quietly for me in his stall to clean his wound - no halter, no restraint, and I was downright exhuberant that he was so good for the vet. I also sponged on a good application of Poridon on him yesterday - the flies were really drawn to his wound. I've been putting the VIP fly ointment they sent with him on the wound itself, but that really wasn't enough, so it was a relief to get the long-lasting repellent on him. Karen Thomas, NC >
Re: [IceHorses] Vinnie's turnout OT
>>> The little show off. Looks like he had an interested audience... Wanda He is a show-off and I think Tifa is in love. I caught the full episode on video. After his little burst of energy, he settled into grazing. When he saw me coming to get him later, he walked towards the barn, ready to go back to his little paddock again. Karen Thomas, NC
Re: [IceHorses] O/T Janice's Aunt
Her thrifty parents were constantly looking for hand-me-down same time. The poor thing must surely have suffered in the Florida heat and humidity with those long stockings and boots. Nancy
Re: [IceHorses] wandas weird diet
2008/7/19 Janice McDonald <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>: > people think its bad that icelanders eat horses, but wanda is an > icelander and she only eats these hotdogs. That's what Canadian Icelanders eat. Wanda -- Thoughts become things...
